All Legislation Highly Unpopular in Both Chambers of Congress

• Late yesterday afternoon, Senate Republicans struck down a movement to begin debate on a defense bill that includes a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. [The Washington Post]

• In a procedural vote, Senate Republicans voted against the 9/11 health bill, legislation that was crafted to provide additional medical assistance to Ground Zero relief workers. [The New York Times]

• Meanwhile, House Democrats, in a symbolic vote of confidence, rejected the language of President Obama’s tax-cut deal. The White House “said take it or leave it,” explained Congressman Peter DeFazio of Oregon. “We left it.” [The Huffington Post]

• Three workers were killed in an explosion at a West Virginia chemical plant yesterday afternoon. [The Wall Street Journal]

• Imprisoned Chinese social critic and dissident Liu Xiaobo did not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony today. [The New York Times]